The Rest Is Politics

13 Feb 2026

The Battle for the Arctic

One of the most important political issues of our time - the battle for the Arctic. Why is Russia so dominant there? Why does Trump really want Greenland? And why is Climate Change right at the heart of this?Join Alastair and author Kenneth R. Rosen in the first episode of our new members-only miniseries on the battle for geopolitical control of the icy north, the polar war.

Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world – former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart – join forces from across the political divide.

Leading

9 Feb 2026

175. Ex-Director of GCHQ: China, Russia, and the Threats Facing the UK (Jeremy Fleming)

Do Russia or China represent a bigger risk to UK national security? Why are we underestimating the threat posed by cybercriminals? Who holds the real power - ministers or spies?

Every Monday, Rory and Alastair interrogate, converse with, and interview some of the world’s biggest names – from both inside and outside of politics – about life, leadership, or leading the way in their chosen field.

Latest

214. Israel in court, attacks on American soldiers, and the problem with polling

What is the significance of the I.C.J. Ruling on Israel? How much control does Iran really have over its proxies? Should Labour brace itself for a sharp narrowing of the polls?Join Rory and A... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Israel must talk to Hamas

Everything is impossible, as Nelson Mandela liked to put it, until you make it happen... Continue

57. Tucker Eskew, spin doctor to George W. Bush and Sarah Palin: Why I’m voting Democrat

What does President Biden need to do to defeat Trump? What went wrong in Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign? Did Republican figures like Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich pave the way for Tr... Continue

213. Question Time: Standing up to Netanyahu, why Starmer would work with Trump, and the differences between Sunni and Shia

Will the West come to terms with the idea that Netanyahu is not interested in a two state solution? Is 'populism' patronising? Would Starmer tread a fine line or stand up to Donald Trump?Join... Continue

212. Why Trump’s return wasn’t inevitable

How much do you know about the Russian propaganda forced on the population in occupied Ukraine? Where did it all go so wrong for Ron DeSantis? What on earth is going on in Germany with the fa... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: There’s room for hope in British politics

In every election since 2010, fear has beaten hope but change is on the horizon... Continue

56. Bill Gates: Conspiracy theories, AI, and the politician he most admires

How does one of the richest men in the world run a business? Is artificial intelligence going to be as big as the Windows PC? What politicians does Bill Gates admire? Bill Gates joins Rory an... Continue

211. Question Time: Taiwan’s new president, Macron’s successor, and the difference between Tories and Conservatives

How did Ecuador’s notorious gang leader escape from prison? What does Taiwan’s new anti-Beijing president mean for the country’s future? When is it right for MPs resign?Listen to Rory a... Continue